#hints of this but he’s essentially her little guy her little jester

[movedtodykedvonte]

Au where everything’s the same but instead of getting kicked out after his sales crash the Queen decides to keep Spamton around as like a weird little emotional support house pet.

[paintedwarpony]

CRITICAL ROLE REWATCH C2E110

(And further ranting and raving and campaign predictions...)

Hey guess what I'm back to talk about today you guys?

Verin Thelyss? Always. But not for this episode.

HOW ABOUT SOME MORE GODDAMN HINTED MULTICLASSED EODWULF.

Yep. You bet.

For those of you just joining this Ted Talk I posed a theory months ago that Eodwulf is NOT infact multiclassed as a paladin for the Raven Queen/Matron of Ravens as most of the fandom has considered. But is something far more dangerous and terrifying.

That Eodwulf is in fact multiassed as a War Domain Cleric.

WHICH IS BAD.

VERY VERY BAD.

At least from a D&D combat campaign point of view. Because essentially it creates an absolute malestrom of a NPC. And it turns the gut to think of the kind of fight it would put the Nein through.

*coughTPKcough*

Because the facts are this. Eodwulf is already a very highly trained, extremely powerful wizard, which is dangerous in and of itself. Add to that fact that he's ALSO a homebrewed Volstrucker and considered one of Ikithon's elites. That means there's going to be all kinds of shit mixed up in that bag of tricks that we haven't seen or yet to speculate.

My basis as to why I think Eodwulf is a cleric of some kind leans heavily on the fact that Matt Mercer himself very often grumbles and complains during campaign about how "unfair" it is that the Nein have two clerics. Yet to date the Nein have not actually gone to combat with a full party that includes a cleric (that may change with the Tomb Takers, who knows) but its certainly not an oversight by any means. I'm positive Matt is saving the use of a cleric enemy for a particularly nasty encounter or series of encounters.

Because lets be real

Clerics will fuck some shit up no matter what their domain is. Between the ridiculously long list of spells they have access to and the ability to pop other members of their team back up clerics are brawlers in the disguise of supports.

NOW HERE'S WHERE IS GETS DANGEROUS CONCERING EODWULF.

Considering Eodwulf is a wizard, and a homebrewed Volstrucker at that theres going to be alot of fire power there but Wizards are notorious glass canons unless handled or multiclassed correctly. Caleb is EXTREMELY powerful mage wise BUT he still follows wizard format to balance him from becoming to powerful. At lvl 13 his AC 15 (jumps to 16 with Mage Armor) and he has 96HP. They're at a point of the campaign where they are coming up against creatures that deal out damage in the 50s, 60s, 70s, or more in one shot. And in turn the Nein themselves are starting to be able to do that kind of damage back.

Which if Eodwulf was just a wizard played by wizard stats, even just slightly homebrewed, wouldn't make him much of a threat.

BUT THROW CLERIC IN THERE AND MAKE IT A WAR DOMAIN CLERIC?

You just turned that glass canon into a GODS DAMNED SHERMAN TANK.

That gives Eodwulf access to martial weapons, heavy armor and a PLEATHORA of other equipment that most wizards could only look longingly through a shop window at before. Not to mention the spell list expansion. His AC jumps. His HP jumps. His attack ability skyrockets as he could both cast spells and make (multiple with certain effects) physical attacks in the same round. His magical longevity bolsters as he can save spell slots until more opportune times to but continue to cause damage with physical strikes.

Not to mention the aspect of keeping the rest of his side of the fight up. Healing up other Volstrucker, Astrid, fucking Ikithon himself to keep them in combat. Hell even using FUCKING REVIVIFY to bring one back if he needs to.

Counterspell? Got it. Cure Wounds? Got it. Guiding Strike? Yep got that, too. Divine Intervention? Sure thing! Fireball? Pssht, for sure.

Considering the hint in C2E110 that Eodwulf favors electricity the same way Caleb favors fire I wouldn't be surprised if he has friggin' Chained Lighting as a go to favorite spell.

BUT I DIGRESS

Some more hints came into focuse during C2E110 to support this theory but the biggest one was said by Eodwulf himself. When questioned about what he did on the front lines Eodwulf admitted:

"I am not much of a front line fighter..."

Its kind of a throwaway line BUT is very much known and considered within D&D that paladins (like Fjord) are considers front line fighter types. But wizards AND CLERICS OF ALL DOMAINS are considered SUPPORT LINE. That they hang back and try to stay out of the thick of danger. Despite the abilities of a cleric to be absolutely savage in combat, as displayed by Jester and Caduceus over the campaign, they're still considered 'support/support line' classes.

It might not be a huge hint but the only time at the table Eodwulf showed any small bit of his own personality was when he bragged just a little about himself and admitted to liking being called a 'living magical weapon', he was also incredibly honest and forthright when he answered questions or spoke about their duty, parents, the torture that he'd been put through at the hands of Ikithon and his faith in the Matron of Ravens was no secret and peppered casually into his conversation. I think that if he was in fact a paladin Edowulf would not hesitate to talk about his pride at serving the Matron of Ravens AND the Empire in direct combat. A wiz-pally combo like that would be formidable but...

A Wiz-War Cleric combo thats a homebrewed Volstrucker and backed by the goddess of death...

Its gonna get real ugly really fast for the Nein if they have to fight him.

I fully believe Eodwulf can be flipped to the Nein's favor but I think to manage that he needs to be separated from Ikithon AND Astrid. During C2E110 he took ALL of his cues from Astrid, looking at her EVERY TIME before starting to speak or reacting to anything. He only acted a little more independent when they were outside the tower. Everything about Eodwulf's demeanor and behavior suggests someone so very lost and used to being bullied or directed one way or another that he doesn't think twice to follow instructions or vomit back up beliefs he was 'taught' but might not be his own. People like that bury their personalities and only find their way to the surface when they're separated from the supervision of their influence. Caleb as expressed multiple times he wants to win both his friends back with a much heavier emphasis on Astrid than Eodwulf. Astrid seems a much more difficult person to turn to their side imo and habors to many secrets and ulterior motives and its worrisome the way she does execute her will over Edowulf. Its clear by some of the interactions at the table that Astrid was very much the 'leader' of the Blumentrio, as she several times tried to cue Caleb with looks to stop or change his behavior and actions. Caleb has been free of Ikithon (and Astrid's) influence for so long now and grown so much in the care of his found family it didn't even cause him to balk but it worries me that if Astrid were introduced into the Nein her influence and manipulations that she does still hold over Eodwulf may start to sink in and control Caleb again as well. The encounter certainly rattled him and left him repeatedly insisting "freeing" her specifically over the course of the campaign since.

But thats a whole different can of worms...

If the Nein turn Astrid to their cause I'm almost positive Eodwulf will follow her. He cued to her FAR more than he did to Ikithon and that speaks volumes.

But I would so much like to see Eodwulf on his own, see his personality and see his own decision to join the Nein's side or not.

But truly... if the answer is 'not'...

Its not going to be good...

[dodecademons]

Thoughts

Alright you critical nerds, it's time for some evaluation. We had a WHOLE week to sit on some moments that happened and even draw up some theories. Doubt anyone would see this but I need to release my thoughts. This will include some shipping moments, so if y'all trying to bring your discourse in here. Kindly hop off me cause I don't need you bothering me. Feel free to share thoughts though.

Caleb

This guy is up to something. Liam is really good at dropping subtle hints without anyone picking up on it until later in game. He keeps bring out that wand, from Calianna, and stained glass. At first I just thought he would use it to channel his magic but he just kinda fiddled with it. Calianna said "a lot of the wood just burns and blackens, some of it becomes extra strong and is especially good at channeling fire magic" in her letter so I thought maybe he was having this sense of self thing. The stained glass came from the cathedral I believe, the one where Yasha was saved but idk. He also made a little cat statue. Liam does these things on purpose and I wanna know what it is. Idle pondering? He mentioned the Traveler and the Storm Lord when talking to Yasha so IDK ANYMORE. Maybe it's nothing. Maybe he'll charge into the Soltryce Academy and kill Trent, who knows.

Yasha

The coat. It works with light armor and Yasha still has her bracers. Her stats would essentially stay the same if she took the breastplate off and used them instead. If the breastplate is the one that Oban gave her, I can't remember if she kept it on, then I feel like she would toss it. Also, sexy coat. On that note, is she no long fallen? Will she finally step out of the -1 into the nice solid 0? She has her wings now and before Matt described her skeletal wings as these dark, scary things that made "the white tips of her hair go completely black" and her eyes to. Aesthetically, hot. So with her new angel wings is her hair going to turn white? Or maybe like naturally over time the ends crawl up. Does she have a halo in her future? Unrelated note: I'm also kind of wondering if maybe she'll do what she said she would do and visit Zuala's grave. Is it where her tribe is located? Killed on sight or what? Would she take the M9 with her or maybe if it's like a far in the future thing she'll just take one or two peeps. I'm just excited to see how this angel things is handled and if any dynamics change.

Jester

The Traveler is donking up and Jester is noticing. Her friends are supportive of the choices SHE makes. But she still seems to be making choices for Artagan because she has this deep connection with him. BUT, and this is a big but, she's being hesitant and questioning more and more as time goes on. I'm legit wondering if she's going to pull a Fjord and just symbolically throw her sword in the lava. Or maybe literally, there's a volcano and Jester is unpredictable sometimes. Regardless, she is STRESSED out and although the M9 are being supportive, I feel like maybe she's waiting for someone to tell her what to do so this will end. Maybe she'll stay, maybe a change in relationship, maybe she'll leave completely (there's more than one option there). I just want the precious soul to be happy.

It's shipping time

Beauyasha

Alright sapphics, you've been getting fed these last few episodes. Yasha flew, Beau was a stuttering mess, and they were both awkwardly flirting. Is a kiss in store for us? Thoughts? I don't really mind if there is one or not I just want them to talk. About anything really, just a sweet little moment about whatever. If there is a kiss though, who would initiate? The obvious choice is Beau, she has made the first move on every girl she has been with (that we've seen). Yasha is getting more confident in her advances though, and after that Zuala moment I think that's a sign to go in guns a blazin. Before the Zuala dream she was flirting more and more with Beau and after that flight and those longing looks I can see anything happening. I can picture them going on short flights for then next few days, assuming nothing major happens and they just spend some days waiting for TravelerCon, and just existing. Yasha getting to use to her wings and Beau wanting to go for the flight. Maybe they practice some sentinel babe battle moves. Yasha drops Beau from like 50ft and Beau just superhero punches taking no fall damage. I have this cute moment in my head but that's for another time. They both have things to think about and I'm excited to see what Marisha was hinting at last episode (106).

Fjorester

They had a sweet moment. Like Fjord really put his feelings out there. Something that he was terrified of doing for a while. He doesn't care about a bunch of randoms but he would do anything for Jester. Which could be written off as a friend just being concerned but nahhh, he had a slip of the tongue moment with his little "i woul- WE would..." and that's pining folks. I was thrownback to the moment where Fjord kissed her on the cheek, IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE, and everyone had a stunned moment of silence. No idea where that's gonna go though since Jester is probably having an existential crisis because of Travler Con and everyone seems to notice. Fjord is sweet on her and although we have no idea where Jester stands right now with her crush on Fjord, since it's been a while since that was addressed/Veth didnt try and create a moment, I still think he is special to her and there is something there. Pursued or not, I see some subtle and maybe not so subtle fluffy moments happening.

[swanqueeneverafter]

What Dreams May Come, Pt.20

Hook’s Dreamscape. Storybrooke. The Jolly Roger. (While Hook examines Excalibur, Mr. Gold climbs aboard the ship.) Hook: (Sheathing the sword:) “I wasn't sure you'd show.” Mr. Gold: “And miss my chance to take your other hand?” Hook: “No, this won't do. This has to be a fair fight. I can't have your surviving family members blame this loss on your limp.” (Hook uses his Dark One powers to heal Mr. Gold’s leg.) Mr. Gold: (Tossing his cane away:) “It's been centuries since I stood here a mortal.” Hook: “Oh, you mean when I took Milah? I remember thinking that day, what type of sad little man is too afraid to fight for his own wife?” Mr. Gold: “Yeah, well, I'm not afraid anymore. I know I have to fight for the people I love.” Hook: “Don't you mean die for the people you love?” (Draws Excalibur.) Mr. Gold: “We shall see.” (Mr. Gold attacks first and the duel is on. They are pretty evenly matched until Hook side steps Mr. Gold and the older man falls down the steps. Advancing with powerful thrusts, Hook eventually brings Mr. Gold to a knee. Then, suddenly, Mr. Gold thrusts his sword into Hook’s stomach, impaling him.) Hook: “Oh! (Chuckles:) We can do this all day. But until you have Excalibur, it won't make a lick of difference. (Killian uses his hook to cut into Mr. Gold as he pushes him away:) They say the first cut is the deepest. Well, they lied. (Stands over Gold, pointing Excalibur at him:) Well, I have to hand it to you, Crocodile. You lasted a lot longer than I expected. If you'd fought me with such vigor back in the day, I might have given you your wife back.” Darkness: “What are you waiting for, pirate? Finish him.” (Mr. Gold uses Hook being distracted to let loose a sandbag, which hits Hook from above. Mr. Gold grabs Excalibur and stands over Killian.) Hook: “Well, get on with it, Crocodile.” Mr. Gold: “There's nothing I'd like better than to run you through. But I think... I think I'd rather let you live, knowing for the rest of your life that I bested you.” Hook: “Today.” (Hook disappears in a red puff of smoke, while Mr. Gold throws the sword to the ground.)

Storybrooke. Present. Morning. (Awakened by the sunlight pouring through the curtains, Emma groans and rolls over, reaching out a hand for Regina. Feeling only sheets, Emma lifts her head in time to see her wife returning to their room carrying a tray of food.) Regina: (Smiling:) "Breakfast in bed." Emma: "Hey, I should be doing that." Regina: "Well you can get it next time. Here." (Taking the tray, Emma places it at the foot of the bed before helping Regina lower herself back against the pillows.) Emma: (Bringing the tray laden with food back up:) "This looks delicious." Regina: (Smiles:) "Now that neither of us have anywhere to be, I thought I'd do something special." Emma: (Taking a bite of toast:) "Yeah, but now I feel like such a- Ooh, I know. Move over a little." (With some maneuvering, Regina finds herself sitting in the middle of the bed while Emma puts one of her pillows under her feet.) Regina: "Emma, what-" Emma: "Foot rub! The book mentioned something about them." Regina: (Chuckles:) "No, I mentioned it. Several times actually." Emma: "Yeah, well now I'm taking the hint. (Begins massaging the soles of Regina's feet:) Hows that?" Regina: "Wonderful. (Groans:) You know, foot rubs are good for anytime, not just during pregnancy." Emma: "Is that so?" Regina: (Enjoying the attention:) "Mmhmm." Emma: "Great, so you can do mine next." (They share a smile, Regina buttering her own slice of toast.) Regina: "Henry's not home. His bed wasn't slept in either. I'm not sure I like him spending so much time in the dream world. We don't know what he's doing in there." Emma: "I do." Regina: "You do?" Emma: (Casually rubbing her wife's feet:) "Yep. I knew you'd be curious sooner or later, so I asked him." Regina: "And?" Emma: "Well, he didn't tell me any specifics, but he's basically living out his fantasies. Sword fighting, danger, romance, adventure. Being the hero in his own story. Who knows, maybe he finally kissed the girl." Regina: (Sitting up:) "Girl? What girl?" Emma: "Um, well he didn't say anything, but I kinda got the impression there's a girl involved. Hey, relax, it's not like-" Regina: "Start from the beginning. Tell me everything, and keep rubbing." Henry's Dreamscape. Dungeons. The Next Morning. (Ella stands over a still slumbering Henry.) Ella: "Good morning, sunshine." Henry: (Turning towards her:) "Ow. (Holding his head:) Hi." Prisoners: (Also standing over him:) "How are you?" Henry: “Oh, God. Ow.” Ella: “Rough night?” Henry: (Sitting up:) “I don't remember what happened.” Jester: “You said her pretty brain exploded and went all over her face. And you tried to kiss her.” Henry: (Sighs:) “Well, that's the least of our problems. I think I might have ruined our only chance, and now I don't know what to do.”

Gareth: (Entering:) “Good thing I do. (To Richard:) Wake up, sire. We've come to get you out of here.” King Richard: (Rising from his bed:) “Oh, God. (Stands:) Well, I knew you cared.” Gareth: (To guard:) “Take him outside.” King Richard: “This place is horrible.” Ella: “All right, everyone, take only the bare essentials. We can always pick up odds and ends on the road.” Gareth: “None of you are coming, except you.” Henry: “What?” Gareth: “You're coming with me.” Henry: “I'm not going anywhere, not without everyone in here.” Gareth: (Grabbing his arm:) “You don't have a choice, son.” (Quickly, Henry kicks Gareth in the gut, then slams his head into the cell door, knocking him down.) Henry: (To Ella:) “Listen, I remember what I said last night, and I meant every word. I think you're the most wonderful... (Ella kisses him:) I think I'm falling in love.” (Suddenly, Gareth hits him from behind with a chair.) Gareth: (To Ella:) “Nice kiss. I hope he remembers it. Come on, you.” Ella: (As Gareth drags an unconscious Henry from the dungeons:) “Henry, no! Please, Gareth!” Hook's Dreamscape. (Hook stands alone at the edge of the water, staring out at the lake when the Darkness joins him.) Darkness: "So, after spending centuries quelling your bloodlust, you threw yourself right back into that darkness, quite literally, for your chance at revenge. How did it feel? Oh, that's right, you failed. (Giggles:) Even with the power of the Darkness you couldn't get the job done!" Hook: "Quiet!" Darkness: "Oh, no no no, dearie. Now is the time for you to be listening to me. Because you see, if you can't bring yourself to kill your enemy now, in a dream world, where none of it matters, then how can you possibly think you're incapable of change?" Hook: (Turning to him:) "What?" Darkness: "All of this is happening inside your head. You should be able to do whatever you desire. And yet, you couldn't kill your Crocodile. Could it be then, that what you crave more than retribution, is a chance to atone for your past?" Hook: "I can't bring my father back... or David's. Nor any of the countless men I killed on my quest for revenge." Darkness: "No, but there is someone in this world you can help. And, perhaps in doing so, it will allow you to embrace your own future, free from the shadows of your past."

Storybrooke. Present. Heritage Park. (Strolling through the park, Regina and Emma walk hand in hand towards a bench and take a seat. Watching as Regina kicks off her heels and sighs in relief, Emma chuckles.) Emma: "Don't you own any comfortable shoes?" Regina: "What, and have you tower over me more than you already do?" Emma: "It can't be good for you or the baby." Regina: (Curling her toes, wincing:) "It wasn't mentioned in the book." Emma: "Yeah, because the guy probably didn't think anyone was crazy enough to wear heels while pregnant." Regina: "Oh hush. There was no way I was going to visit the leaders of the united realms while wearing Uggs." Emma: "Who the hell cares what shoes you wear?" Regina: "I do." Emma: (Sighs, smiling:) "I don't get why you had to go see them anyway, Snow's in charge now." Regina: (Snorts:) "Emma, please. Letting your mother deal with the day to day running of Storybrooke is one thing, but sending her to speak to other realm leaders is entirely different. One morning spent with the council of Lost Boys and Snow would've signed away half the town to them." Emma: "Hey, mom can be tough when she needs to. She kicked your butt pretty good back in the Enchanted Forest." Regina: "She got lucky." Emma: "Uh huh." Regina: "The point is, now that we've spoken to most of the leaders, it's one less thing for your mother to worry about." Emma: "Sure, and that's why you did it. Nothing at all to do with you being a control freak." Regina: "Well exactly. Mostly." (They laugh.) Emma: "You know, I'm glad we get to take this time for ourselves. I mean, once the baby arrives, we're not gonna have a heck of a lot of down time." Regina: "True. Juggling Henry and work was no picnic, even though having the townspeople under a curse did help a little." Emma: "Yeah, well there'll be two of us to share the load this time. No need to curse anyone." Regina: "Just wait till the 2am feedings, you'll be cursing all right." Emma: (Laughs:) "I'm sure. Until then, I think we both need to learn to let go and relax a little." Regina: "Maybe. But for right now, I need to eat something, I'm starving." Emma: "Hm, me too." Regina: "Any suggestions?" Emma: "Actually, yeah. (With a wave of her hand, Emma transports them to a table outside the Rollin' Bayou food truck:) I thought we could learn from someone who leads her people, but still finds time to do what she enjoys most." Tiana: (Approaching with a tray of fresh beignets:) "Hey guys!" Emma: (As Tiana places the tray on their table:) "Thank you. Tiana, please tell Regina what it's like to rule Wonderland and still find time to follow your passion." Tiana: (Chuckles:) "Well it wasn't easy. Back when I was little, all I ever wanted to do was cook. I worked so hard to start my own business, then when my father died, my mother and I were threatened with losing everything, so my priorities changed." Emma: (Smiling as Regina starts on her second helping:) "So what changed for you?" Tiana: "Family. When Will and Alice came into my life, I realised that I could have it all. I could rule Wonderland alongside Will, who really knew the people, had a connection with them. And while Will was helping, along with my mother, in matters of state, Alice was helping me with my food dream too." Regina: "Point well made, Emma. (To Tiana:) I'm so glad your dream worked out for you, because these are delicious." Tiana: (Smiles, watching Regina pick up her third beignet:) "Thank you, Regina." Emma: (Smirking:) "Do you think I could get one of those?" Regina: (Through a mouthful:) "Only if you're quick." (As Emma quickly takes one from the tray, Tiana turns and heads back to her kitchen to make another batch.)

Henry's Dreamscape. (Henry is thrown down onto the beach.) Henry: "What's this? Where am I?" Gareth: "These pirates will take you and the king back to his kingdom, where he'll be safe.” King Richard: “What? No.” Henry: “I'm not leaving her. I'm going back.” Gareth: (Blocking his path:) “I've left word with my men. You step one foot in that castle and everyone you love gets the ax. No more games, Henry.” King Richard: “Listen, Gareth, I'm moved, but I've made my bed, and for once, I should lie in it.” Gareth: “You get in that boat.” King Richard: “Oh, Gareth. I know you're doing this because you love me.” Gareth: “I don't love you. I don't even like you. No one here likes you, so go.” King Richard: “Well, now you're just being mean to me so I'll go.” Gareth: “You're self-centered, self-absorbed, and you wear too much velvet.” King Richard: “Now you're just going into a lot of specific details, so I'll believe you.” Gareth: “You have a skinny left calf and a crooked...” King Richard: “Okay, okay, fine. I'll go. But you're not fooling anyone.” Gareth: (To Henry:) “Go on. And you.” Henry: “Not one hair.” Gareth: “I give you my word.” Henry: “And know this... I will return for them. Justice will be done.” Gareth: “I'm excited for you, but let me give you a couple of instructions. He can't sleep at night if he ain't got a second pillow to hug. Dairy makes him gassy. And if he gets cross, give him some salty snacks. It's good for his electrolytes. But if one hair on his head gets harmed, I will hunt you down, I will gut you, and I will use your skin as a lap blanket. Do you understand?” Henry: “We have a deal. (Gareth and Henry clasp each other’s forearms in a warrior’s handshake. He turns, walking towards the boat where Richard is already seated:) So who’s captaining this vessel anyway?” Hook: (Revealing himself for the first time:) “Why, that’d be me, lad.” Henry: (Shocked:) “Hook? How did you get here?” Hook: “There’ll be plenty of time for explanations later. (To the crew:) All right, shove off, me hearties.” Pirates: “Arrr!” Gareth: (Watching from shore as they sail away:) ♪ Good night, my friend ♪ Kingdom of Valencia. Throne Room. (Queen Madelena and Kingsley enter as several guards hurry back and forth.) Queen Madelena: “What in God's name is going on here?!” Guard: “Henry and King Richard have gone. We don't know where they are.” Kingsley: “Find them or I'll eat your firstborn for breakfast.” Queen Madelena: (As Gareth enters:) “He's behind this. I know it. Where have you been?” Gareth: “I'm sorry, milady, I must have slept in.” Queen Madelena: “Oh, really? Well, why don't you help yourself wake up by going down to the dungeon and killing everyone who's left?” Gareth: “Okay. It will be my pleasure.” Courtyard. (Gareth opens the doors, leading Ella and the other prisoners to safety.) Gareth: “Okay, here's the plan. One of you is gonna knock me out and take my keys.” Ella: “What? You're not going to kill us?” Gareth: “I keep my promises, and I promised your little lover boy that I'd take care of you. So who's first? Come on. (One by one, the remaining prisoners to knock out Gareth, without success. Sighs:) Just take the keys and go.”

Storybrooke. Present. (It’s early morning and Emma and Regina are driving in the rain to their next doctors appointment.) Emma: “Ugh. Why did we have to get an appointment so early?” Regina: “Because it won’t be as busy at the hospital and it’s our best chance that Whale won’t be drunk yet.” Emma: “We really need another doctor.” Regina: “Well maybe your mother can add that to her list of-” (Suddenly, Emma slams on the brakes to avoid hitting a knight on a horse at the intersection.) Emma: (Rolling down her window, shouting:) “I had right of way, jackoff!” Regina: “Maybe Grumpy had a point after all.” (Just then, she looks up sees a man standing at the corner of the street. Regina cannot believe her eyes.) Regina: “Daniel?” (She closes her eyes. When she opens them again, Daniel is gone.) Emma: “Are you all right?” Regina: “I-I’m fine. Let’s go.” Henry’s Dreamscape. Kingdom Of Valencia. Throne Room. (Gareth returns to the throne room, where Kingsley and Madelena await him.) Queen Madelena: “Gareth, did you kill everyone who needed to be killed?” Gareth: “No, milady.” Kingsley: “What kind of kingdom are you running here? (Stands and approaches Gareth:) A henchman that doesn't kill, a queen who does nothing about it. (Draws his sword:) This place has gone soft...” (These words turn out to be Kingsley’s last, as he is literally stabbed in the back by Madelena.) Queen Madelena: (Wiping her dagger clean:) “Turns out he wasn't my type. (Gareth takes the sword from Kingsley’s cold, dead hand:) You just got a promotion. (Indicating the throne next to her:) Sit.” Gareth: (Taking his seat:) “You're gonna have to either lose or gain a lot of weight.” (Madelena smiles and they both watch as Kingsley’s body is carried out of the room.)

[avelera]

POTC:5 - A Hot Mess, with some glimmers of heart

I actually wrote this a few days ago on the plane and consistently forgot to post so here we go Maggie’s analysis of the hot mess that is POTC5 (and thoughts on how it could have been improved). 

So PotC:5 was a hot mess and totally deserves a hard 57% rating, with a good portion of that rating based latent affection for the franchise.

THAT BEING SAID, they broke Will’s curse so given that I have been waiting 10 YEARS (10 YEARS IN AZKABAN/ ON THAT ISLAND WITH ELIZABETH) for that to happen, and it happened, I’m gonna say my time may have been 90% wasted but I’m not unhappy that I saw it.

The thing is, I think there were scraps of  good movie in there somewhere. Not in the same was as say, Wonder Woman (where I think there was a superb movie in there had they only been allowed to simply rearrange some of their scenes and tweak a plot twist or two) but still. Frankly, I don’t think the scenes that would have made POTC:5 great were even shot, but there’s some structural hints towards their potential.

So here’s what I would have done to tweak POTC:5 to make it a better story along the lines of a novel. To my admittedly untutored eye, there was a lot of things that look like they could have been improved, and maybe there was even a stage of the script where the writers would have liked them to be improved, but things such as studio requirements, actor availability, and actor preference prohibited it. I have no idea what the exact making of this movie entailed but let’s just say, for example, I don’t think Keira Knightley wanted to make this movie, even though it would have been vastly improved by her presence.

Tweaks and Improvements:

1) Replace or at least partner Elizabeth with Barbossa. Frankly, we left her as Pirate King and it would have been amazing to see her *ahem* Swanning around on that opulent ship along with him, enforcing her title. I would have adored a subplot in which Henry has either essentially run away from home or, say, a respectable life that Elizabeth set up for him, or that he has simply gone missing and she’s been looking for him. Frankly, the very idea that Henry could be working on breaking the Will’s curse and have a lead and Elizabeth isn’t on that boat with him is crazy to me. The only understandable explanation is metatextual, ie Keira wasn’t available for the film. Pirate King Elizabeth should have been on that quest with them, and it could have provided some really excellent moments of action, pathos and even comedy. It may have also spared us some of the unrelenting fixation on fathers too, or at least balanced it with one present, capable mother instead of the endless string of fridged Disney Moms like Carina’s.

Some scenes it would have allowed - fuckin’ Pirate King Elizabeth overtaking Henry & Co. and giving the “I’m not here to stop you…. I’m here to join you.” speech. Moments of bonding between Henry and Elizabeth. Elizabeth expressing her loss of Will, and Henry sharing it. Humorous tension of having your mom onboard when you’re starting to crush on a girl and also prove yourself. Elizabeth’s total lack of interest in Jack and their inevitable banter… I mean frankly, the only reason not to have her is how much she would have stolen the show. MOVING ON.

2) Carina should have been Salazar’s daughter, not Barbossa’s. Frankly, the Barbossa thing just made… no sense at all. He’s never mentioned or shown interest in a family before, it just doesn’t really fit with his story, and I’m pretty sure that even if he wasn’t a ghost at that point of her conception (assuming Carina is younger than Henry but that’s not necessarily a given), it means he had her after POTC:3 which is… weird. Unless I’m missing something from POTC:4.

Reasons Carina should have been Salazar’s daughter instead:

Shared features: We got quite a few interesting close-ups of Salazar’s black waving hair, which looks a great deal like Carina’s. In contrast, technically under all the liver damage, Barbossa does have blue eyes but there any resemblance to Carina ends. Salazar actually looks at least a little like he could be her father, enough to serve as an actual clue to her heritage instead of the out of nowhere revelation about Barbossa. There’s the issue of the accent but they could either hand wave that by saying she studied in England or hire a hispanic actress, or have the actress assume a hint of a Spanish accent. Either way, it’s not a huge hurdle.

Salazar was clearly a good guy and successful before his transformation into a ghost thing, it explains how Carina got such a high-end education as to be an astronomer and a horologist, something that was never explained by the film, because by all accounts if the ruby was all Barbossa left her and she didn’t spend it, Carina would have grown up penniless. Salazar, as a Spanish officer of his own ship, would have been in a much better position for his family and estate to see that his daughter had a fantastic education.

It would have allowed Carina’s story to mirror Henry’s, that both of them are trying to free their father from a sea curse. Frankly, her not believing in magic and still going after the map thing is a bit of cognitive stretch. Having both of them trying to break a curse on their father would have been a nice parallel. You could even have it that Carina is skeptical about her father’s curse, but still sees the trident as a means of “freeing” him or at least convincing him to come home if he’s just gone mad. It could also provide a dramatic scene where maybe her whole life she hasn’t allowed herself to believe that her father was really “cursed” rather than dead or a deadbeat, and she tries to convince Henry that his father is no more cursed than hers and is only absent. Then, at the first sight of magic she could have a true moment of emotion, realizing it was indeed a curse that kept her once-heroic father away from her and her family.

Frankly, Salazar’s story is all over the place. Especially his morality. I get that this is “Pirates” of the Caribbean so the pirates are the good guys, but he was something of an actual good guy at least along the lines of Norrington before he went down and became all ghosty. Also, the moment where they become human again was actually rather emotional. I didn’t really understand why he was still a bad guy after they got turned back? Why the vengeance? How about instead let him get an actual redemption arc, his daughter talking him down from his mercilessness towards pirates because they’re the ones who helped free him. That also eliminates the need for Barbossa’s rather random and out of character “sacrifice” at the end, if he doesn’t need to die taking down Salazar.

(I gotta say, for like a split second I thought the witch would turn out to be Carina’s mother and her and Barbossa gave her up to give her a better life so failing a Salazar parenthood I could totally accept that too.)

3) Just… less Jack Sparrow, please. His wacky hijinks are at their best when they’re played against someone who is actually trying to pursue the plot. That’s why he was such a good foil and antagonistic ally for Will and Elizabeth, he’s best when he’s a wild card. But also, the schtick is getting a bit old. Hence why it would have been nice to have Elizabeth in the film to play off him a bit.

That being said, the glimpse we got of Young Jack the Sparrow was waaaay hotter than I expected, like I never had a real thing for Sparrow like many others did but godDAMN young cocky pirate kid who is just finding his sea legs, wasn’t totally crazy yet, and looked like he walked off the set of Black Sails was one of the small highlights of the film. It just goes to show what giving Jack Sparrow even a dash of integrity can do to strengthen the character.

Another thing absent from the film which was desperately needed - some connection between Henry and Jack Sparrow. It seemed assumed but never shown. Really, we got a ton of Jack Sparrow being disdainful of Will and Elizabeth, but I’d like to think that he would feel at least a little protective of their child. There was moments in the film that seemed to hint at that, but it would have been nice to get a verbal admission at some point (unless I missed it) along the lines of how he actually does care about them beneath his wacky and selfish exterior, and by extension doesn’t want their son to die.

Overall the film felt like 3 or 4 film ideas sort of crammed into one story. I definitely saw snippets of discarded plots, the whole possession of Henry came out of nowhere (though I forgive it because possession is my jam), Salazar’s pathos went in and out in favor of him in the end just remaining a monster despite the fact he just got his life back, Carina’s backstory and relation to Barbossa makes no sense at all, Elizabeth not participating makes no sense at all, and characters would randomly move vast distances or have extremely helpful coincidences just when they needed them to a level that went beyond “fun adventure story” and into “writer clearly ended up in a corner, again” territory.

I think the best parts of the film came down to Henry’s authenticity and his quest to save his father. The scene at the beginning where he meets Will by nearly dying was perhaps my favorite of the whole film, if not for the ending, and with just those two I would have been quite content. The film really needed to be more about that and less about Sparrow hijinks, which are always a great spice but they are a terrible center piece. POTC has consistently been the story of Elizabeth and Will, and it loses a lot of its fire when it shifts to be about Sparrow rather than their story serving as a stage where he could serve as jester and commentator. If this was to be the story of the next generation of Henry and Carina, it should have been allowed to remain fixated on them, and allowed there to be pathos in Carina’s story as much as Henry’s, which is why I think a parallel lost father and a connection to Salazar would have added a great deal.

I’m not sure if there’ll be a sixth film. It’s probably better if there isn’t. But I would be willing to drag myself back to the theater if we can finally see Will and Elizabeth again because frankly, apropos to nothing, their reunion was the single hottest most powerful moment of the whole movie and I’ll take a lot of confused garbage for that.

[bigyack-com]

Birds of Prey movie review: Margot Robbie soars in vibrantly violent DCEU gem - hollywood

Birds of Prey Director - Cathy Yan Cast - Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ewan McGregor  Combining all the ingredients that make comic book bros break out in hives, Birds of Prey is a candy-coloured curveball of a movie that doubles as a feminist fable and an apology for the poorly received Suicide Squad. It does away with that film’s convoluted tone and embraces the nuttier aspects of the monumentally mishandled DCEU, a series with which Birds of Prey has barely any connection — tonally and narratively. In fact, it spends its opening minutes literally cutting any ties it has to Suicide Squad, and, metaphorically, to its toxic legacy. Watch the Birds of Prey trailer here  I liked Suicide Squad. It reminded me of Batman: The Animated Series, a show that I watched obsessively growing up. Harley Quinn was created specifically for that show by writer Paul Dini. He’d be happy with what director Cathy Yan has done with her in Birds of Prey. Once again played by Margot Robbie, Harley is having a difficult time getting over the Joker, with whom she has broken up sometime between the events of this film and Suicide Squad. But she hasn’t told anyone yet — partly because she’s still in denial, but more importantly, being the Joker’s girlfriend afforded her a certain immunity in the seedier corners of Gotham City, immunity that Harley is convinced she’ll lose the second she announces that she is no longer under Mr J’s protection. Birds of Prey is essentially the story of Harley emerging from under the Joker’s shadow. Much has been written about the emotional abuse Harley has had to suffer as the Joker’s partner in crime over the years — in comics, video games and cartoon shows. But by removing the Clown Prince of Crime (the Harlequin of Hate, the Jester of Genocide) entirely from the narrative, Yan and her writer, Christina Hodson avoid confronting some of the more interesting aspects of their relationship. It’s a missed opportunity, because despite never appearing in the flesh, the Joker haunts her like a particularly stubborn wart — unshakable and irritating. His face is visible on a dart board on Harley’s bedroom wall and his name is mentioned by dozens of characters throughout the movie. Curiously, however, Jared Leto’s likeness is never used; the Joker in Birds of Prey appears to be a campy composite of sorts.

Margot Robbie in a still from Birds of Prey. He looks like the Joker of the ‘90s; a mixture of Jack Nicholson and Mark Hamill’s versions. This is also a good indication of the film’s tone. It’s interesting to note how, in the span of just over a decade, the pendulum has swung from Joel Schumacher’s lurid Batman films to the gritty realism of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, and back again. Designed by KK Barrett and vibrantly shot by cinematographer Matty Libatique, Birds of Prey has more in common with Schumacher’s kitschy aesthetic than the grounded tone of Nolan’s films. But the similarities are limited to the visuals, thankfully; Birds of Prey is infinitely better written than both Batman Forever and Batman & Robin combined. Hodson’s screenplay channels the early films of Guy Ritchie, complete with a valuable MacGuffin, snazzy visual graphics, and an overly complicated, non-linear structure. She even has Robbie serve as a relatively reliable narrator, and our guide in this densely populated world. The trio of women charged with spearheading the film — Yan, the director; Hodson, the writer; and Robbie, the producer — inject the film with a spirit of pride. It’s the sort of film in which one character, sensing another’s discomfort during a fight, offers her a scrunchie to keep the hair out of her eyes. In another scene, a character admires a cohort’s ability to fight in tight pants. But it takes a while for the gang to get together. For the most part, Birds of Prey is a Harley Quinn movie. And that is its biggest flaw. Because we know so little about the character — barring a hasty narration that hints at a troubled childhood, Harley’s life is a mystery — it is difficult to stick with her as she goes on the run from Gotham’s criminals, tracks down an elusive diamond, and tries her best to be a ‘not so terrible person’.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Margot Robbie and Jurnee Smollett-Bell in a still from Birds of Prey. The ethics of rooting for a villain aside, Robbie brings an inherent likability to the character, but it’s Ewan McGregor who delivers the film’s standout performance as the flamboyant gangster Roman Sionis (Black Mask). Yan, despite her relative inexperience — this is her first studio film, and her second feature ever — appears to have a decent grasp of tone, although most of the action sequences seem to be the handiwork of John Wick director Chad Stahelski, who was roped in at the last minute to oversee reshoots. A warehouse brawl and a climactic car chase, in particular, are trademark Stahelski — intricately choreographed and edited with patience. Birds of Prey has virtually no bearing on the larger DCEU; it’s baffling to me why Warner Bros. wants to insist on it even being part of the franchise at all. But as a standalone adventure, it’s a terrific showcase for Robbie’s talents as an actor. Her performance here is better than the one she’s currently nominated at the Oscars for. (Hindustan Times doesn’t use star-rating system in its movie reviews.) Follow @htshowbiz for more The author tweets @RohanNaahar Read the full article

[setoangel01-fanfiction]

Mercy

Set Me Free - Chapter 6 (Previous Chapters)

Rated: T

Fandom: Sing 2016

Pairing: Johnny x Ash

Chapter Summary: Johnny displays the amazing depths of his unconditional kindness and Ash isn't sure quite how it handle it.

Fanfiction.net

A03

Pulling herself from her stupor for the thirteenth time that day, Ash groaned into the couch cushions she must have crashed in. Cringing at the drool staining her lips that she uncaringly wiped into the pillow under her head with a disgusted moan.

Between sleeping or wrecking more of Lance's possessions to simply release the building tension in her chest, she had quite a busy few days since the Moon Theater crashed to the ground with her precious red Fender (and her career hopes) inside.

Ash spent most of them wallowing around in her own grief from the crappy hand that life had dealt her. Mourning her guitar and career by pathetically sobbing into two containers of half-melted pints of fudge ripple ice cream, bags of greasy potato chips, and a few stale cookies scattered around the premises.

When she wasn't sleeping or stuffing her face with copious amounts of sugar and salt, she was busy carving large X's into Lance's possessions, shredding and ripping down the rest of his posters she'd always secretly despised. Finding the few scraps and remains of the pictures she'd ripped in half or quarters; going back to tear them into indiscernible confetti before throwing and flushing them down the toilet.

…Yet nothing still seemed to ease the growing hollowness in her gut…

Within the span of three days, Ash essentially turned into one of those dumped, depressed girls from any of the many horrid chick flicks she loathed almost as much as Lance and if anything, that just made her more downcast. Perhaps if she was honest, she'd begun to take a better look at herself; partial blame landing on her shoulders for her own discretion.

There were so many signs she should have paid more attention to…

Multiple times Lance had come back in the middle of the night after a "solo gig" smelling of strange perfume and the lame excuses that never made a lick of sense. Mixed along with the instances where he belittled her talents, painful words hidden behind a veil of his laid-back quips; undermining her capabilities as an artist by pushing her down to elevate his own "artistic genius". For years she'd taken it without a defense; allowing his less than kind words to go over her head or brush them off her shoulders with a shrug.

Ash had always been far too willing to give Lance the benefit of the doubt; trusting his judgment when it came to their band and the direction their careers and lives were heading.

Of course the doubts were always there in the back of her mind but time after time, she ignored them. Hoping that it was just a phase; that they would eventually make it big with Lance's guidance and at the time, her idea of his "superior" talents. Hoping in the end that they would finally get their big break and those small voices in her head telling her otherwise would ultimately be proven wrong…

Ash shook her head; recalling every single instance of his cruelty veiled by a lazy smile or passionate kiss. The misdirection and how he played her like a fiddle. Toying with her frail emotions and using her to get to his ultimate destination; how easily he found her to be replaceable as soon as she showed the first signs of any independence. For those years he wanted her to just be wrapped around his little finger and bend to his every whim like a limp palm tree enthralled in hurricane winds.

Lance had never had her best intentions at heart; never cared or loved her at all like he said he did for the second she decided to do something for herself (and their career/lives indirectly), he traded her in like you would a faulty appliance. To dump it to the side; discard it as if it meant absolutely nothing…

Suddenly, her heart sank when she came to terms with who really was the biggest fool in all of this - her.

Ash had fallen for it hook, line, and sinker.

Perhaps it was karma paying her back for her foolishness; destroying any chance for her career for being so damn asinine and naive in her relationship with Lance - if you could even call it that. It was more of a slave/master or king/court jester relationship - she was always the one providing while he sponged off of her stupidity; paying her back with his mere presence and holding it over her head that he was the only reason she'd made it so far as a musician and singer at all.

Like she owed him something…

Those days, weeks, and months she'd practice the guitar under his "guidance". The groans of disgust barely covered by his lazy sighs when she messed up over and over again; the words he sometimes spoke were like barbed arrows. They wouldn't sound that hurtful at first glance or first puncture but then rip her up from the inside out when the cruel undertones of his sugary-sweet voice melted away and were pulled out. Yet before she could fully understand the unbelievable cruelness he actually spoke with, he'd chuckle softly, caress her cheek or kiss her before she could legitimately question its connotations…

Stomach churning at the memories Ash didn't care to ponder anymore. The past was the past…and it deserved to stay there. She lay her head back onto the pillow; sorely tempted to fall back into a hopefully dreamless sleep when her doorbell rang once more.

So, that's what woke her up…

Ash groaned, reluctant about going to get the door when the horrible thought of Lance on the other side came to mind. She'd received multiple texts and missed calls from her ex but she dared not read them or listen to the long-winded messages he left.

Instead, she blocked him in hopes he'd leave her alone.

A part of her questioned why he was calling at all. It sure as hell wasn't to apologize or get her back considering what happened with the Moon Theater. She doubted if it was to see if she was uninjured because when did he ever care about her well-being? If she was a betting girl, she'd probably put it towards questioning if she in the hospital after seeing the destruction on the news so he was free to go pick up the remainder of his stuff from their apartment. She was just glad she'd had the foresight to change the locks immediately after throwing his adulterous ass out.

"There isn't anything viable of his left anyway…" she thought with a dark chuckle tickling at her mouth - served the bastard right.

Ash flinched; brought out of her thoughts when the doorbell rang yet again.

"Dammit…" Ash moaned into the pillow; body aching from sleeping on the couch (her bed was still too strange to sleep in alone) and stomach turning from the lack of real nutrition this past week.

One thing was certain - she really didn't want to get up.

It all grew silent for awhile and she was relieved that perhaps they left, but instead of taking a hint, the person outside resorted to lightly knocking.

The migraine developing from the sound was when Ash finally relented.

"Coming!" Ash grumbled loudly when there was yet another gentle knock at the door - it stopped instantly when her voice broke out.

When no one spoke out, she knew for sure it wasn't Lance. The guy was notorious for screaming at her to hurry up through the door - he had no where near enough patience to wait as long as this person had…

It raised far more questions than answers.

Just who could itbe and what was so important to bother her in the midst of her emotional life crisis? Knowing how her luck was currently going, it was probably her landlord to kick her ass out for all of her incessant sobbing at all hours of the day and night or wrecking her entire apartment (none too quietly mind you) this past week.

It just had to be…

Swallowing back her pride, Ash pushed herself to her unsteady feet.

Mentally preparing herself until she was good and ready to face the Rhino; hoped he was prepared for the tongue-lashing of a lifetime for she was not in any kind of mood to deal with this shit…

Ash swiftly unlocked the door. Mouth open and ready to speak out when she swung the door open but to her surprise and dismay while she stood there with mismanaged quills and dirty, stained and slept-in clothes - the one who was standing there was definitely not Matthew, her two-ton Rhino landlord…

…it was Johnny.

If the gorilla noticed her horrifyingly embarrassing state of appearance, he said nothing. Standing there looking down at her with that normal gracious smile that she did not deserve after how she went off on him like a blood-thirsty jackal a few days ago.

The memory vivid of her guttural screams and the look that crossed his face in response to it all…Before she could think about it too much, she pushed those distracting thoughts away.

A demented part of her wanted to scream at him again for perhaps the only reason knowing that he wouldn't argue back; just someone to absorb her anger but she knew it wasn't right for he did nothing wrong. Quite the opposite really - he'd done more for her in this past week than most people had ever bothered to do for her…

It was only in this moment she began to deeply regret going off on him that day but she sure as hell was still not going to apologize for it now. As of now, all she was concerned with was wondering what he was doing here completely unannounced while she made it very clear she definitely did not want to be disturbed.

Especially looking the way she did now…she thought with a cringe.

"'ello." Johnny greeted after a moment when she said nothing to acknowledge his presence.

"...What do you want?" she asked in a tired grunt. Not intending whatsoever to be at all pleasant about this unexpected visit. Sleep still clinging to her heavily-bagged eyes, she wiped her hand over her face when suddenly, it fell when Johnny's arms appeared from behind his back.

The tiredness that clung to her system was instantly gone as she took in exactly what was in his hands. Ash stood there and time completely froze upon glancing at the item - a scratched, dented black case; the one covered in now unrecognizable stickers and smudged silver sharpie…

The very one that held her treasured red Fender guitar.

The one that she was certain had been crushed and lost forever within the rubble of the Moon Theater.

…how had he…?

Ash's icy blue eyes looked beyond the case to the large hands holding it; white and beige bandages covering parts of his fingers and a few scratches were visible on the base of his hairy knuckles. Fingernails were cleanly cut short but she could obviously see where they were either chipped, scratched, or had slight dirt embedded underneath. Past that, she looked at his clothes; slightly dusty and the knees of his jeans looked a bit more worn than they should be.

…he must have…

It only dawned on her now exactly what he had done and it broke whatever small amount of sanity she had left…

"I didn't check inside; I'm pretty sure the case took the brunt of any kind of damage, but you might want to -" Johnny's words immediately halted in his throat when Ash made a grab for the case; placing it gingerly onto the floor of her apartment before she collapsed to her knees in front of it.

Staring at sheer reverence for the first few moments before Ash flicked aside the locks with her thumbs; the guitar case opened with a creak. She was completely silent once the case was ajar; staring inside at its contents for what felt like a lifetime.

Ash's icy blue eyes glued onto the guitar she feared she'd never see again. She traced every single curve she'd memorized with her eyes before her trembling hand reached out to caress at the neck, strings, along the smooth wood of the main body, the star sticker, even twisting the volume knob just to hear it squeaking lightly underneath her fingertips. A relief she was unaware she could feel washed over her entire body as she stared down at her red Fender. The interior surrounding the guitar was unimportant; the papers seemingly untouched and notes all the way she remembered…

…it was completely undamaged…

Shoulders slumping in vast amounts of relief; the sting of tears building in the backs of her eyes but she forced them back. It appeared as if the emotional roller-coaster had not yet finished but she was determined not to cry in front of Johnny again; (even if these tears would be joy) twice was enough already, thank you.

Ash heard Johnny shift a bit, somehow terrified he'd flee. Before she realized what had occurred, she was on her feet. Standing, she faced the gorilla who stood rather awkwardly at the doorway; his large hands still a bit proffered as if still holding the case. Her body moving of its own accord, she grabbed onto one of his hands in some desperate attempt to keep him here.

For whatever reason, she really wasn't sure.

Perhaps enough time for her heavy tongue to begin working again so she could at the very least utter some form of thanks. Johnny's fingers slightly twitched under her own when she ended up grabbing his index and middle finger in her tiny fist.

"Thank you." Ash managed to mutter out; the gratefulness echoing through her quiet voice and it seemingly calmed any confusion on his part.

Johnny looked a bit shocked at her voice at first; not speaking as his face fell for a moment to look at their conjoined hands for a split second before his brown eyes met her icy blue yet again. This time, a laid-back smile was quietly bestowed upon her. So taken aback by his toothy smile, she didn't even realize when he grasped her hand back by curling his unbound fingers around her paw.

Yet after a few awkward seconds passed, it dawned on her.

Ash stared down to their joined hands and as if just realizing any implications, she swiftly retreated as if burned. Nervously brushing at her wrinkled skirt praying that the clamminess on her palms was definitely not the embarrassment, or some other emotion she was not prepared to confront, coursing through her body. Hating how her stomach churned and this time, it wasn't the copious amounts of sugar and salt contributing to it.

Johnny, seemingly unfazed by her action, spoke, "You're welcome - just glad I got there in time. They actually started to bring in cranes and bulldozers to remove the rest of the debris this morning. I would have got it sooner but it was cordoned off for longer than expected. Anyway, once I told them the situation, the crew did most of the work, I just had to figure out the location - which wasn't easy. It ended up at the other end of the building." tapering off when he realized he'd been slightly rambling.

Ash watched him for awhile.

Light brown eyes straying from hers; one hand scratching nervously at the back of his head and foot tapping nervously. …was he worried she was going to yell at him again or something? The barest hints of regret brewing in her nervous gut were ignored in lieu of remaining quiet to see what perhaps he'd say next.

A part of her wanted to ask more questions - so, so many - as to why he had done this for her; someone who yelled at him a few days ago for no damn reason whatsoever except the simple fact that he was there. Dared to help her, to care for her injury and drive her home so she didn't have to wait for the train or bus. He was someone who had been nothing but kind, accommodating, and encouraging while she'd been a little less salty than a rabid rottweiler.

Yet, the questions pretty much answered themselves for Johnny had already showcased his nature; his kindness that exceeded any sort of realistic capacity that she had ever dealt with in her life. To think this guy, who had been a stranger a week ago, went out of his way to protect her from deadly debris by using his own body as a shield, wrap up her ankle, give her a ride home - and even after she yelled at him for no damn reason whatsoever - he got her guitar back.

It didn't make a lick of sense and even made her a tad suspicious of any intentions however pure they may seem. She swiftly pushed those notions aside for Johnny did not have to do this; frankly shouldn't have considering the circumstances and absolutely nothing to gain…

Ash wasn't even aware that people like him even existed…

"How's your ankle?" he asked and it was her turn to be surprised by the suddenness of the voice.

Now that he said it, Ash had almost completely forgotten about it except the day after it happened. Once she'd taken off the piece of his jeans and popping a few Tylenol, she had felt much better and it hadn't caused her any problem since. It probably helped she did little more than lay and mope around which helped in the healing process.

"It's fine." she shrugged; the tension so thick you could carve through it with a dull butter knife. Johnny had soon opted to just hook his thumbs into his jean pockets and nod at her answer.

"That's good." he said after awhile.

There was a slight awkwardness after those words finished escaping out of his mouth. An obvious unspoken tension that still remained between them and Ash knew it was her fault. Hating having yet something else hanging over her head when he'd been unbelievably nice, Ash broke it the only way she knew how.

"Listen, "Ash shrugged with eyes straying to her feet, "I'm sorry for the other day." she blabbed out faster and quieter than she probably intended.

"No. It's quite alright." Johnny replied with a shake of his head.

For some reason, being let off the hook for being such a cruel, rather conniving bitch was not what she needed right no. This guy had gotten a part of her heart and soul back, it was only fair that she clear the air.

"No. It was messed up of me. I shouldn't have snapped at you like I did. I - I was upset and you didn't deserve it - "

"Ash, I -"Johnny tried to interrupt but she put her hand up to halt any words he may or may not say.

Johnny grew silent.

"No. I was a real bitch. I wasn't mad at you, I was…frustrated - at everything I suppose. That didn't make it right to take it out on you, so, for that…I'm really sorry." the words felt so strange as they echoed past her teeth and lips.

"It's alright, I underst-" Johnny started before she silenced him with a harsh glare.

"Listen, you better just take the apology cause I don't do it very often." she clarified firmly; arms tempted to cross across her chest but she supposed her tone was threatening enough.

"...Okay. I accept your apology." Johnny chuckled, voice raspy and thick in his throat. She ignored how her hairs prickled pleasantly when she heard it.

Ash just nodded; it was only now she realized he was still standing outside.

"Did you…uh, want to come in? I could make you coffee or something." she suddenly asked; own words surprising her and by how his eyes widened - they surprised Johnny as well. Warranted she supposed for she'd been less than accommodating the few times they already interacted.

There was confusion in his stare and her own anxiety suddenly building for she knew just how trashed her apartment was. A quick glance behind her said he probably already noticed - wrappers, strips of Lance's posters, shredded clothes, confetti bits of pictures, and etc. that littered the floor. The haphazard mess of pillows and blankets that made up the couch were probably already seen by him since he was so damn tall.

"I'd love to but I may have to take a rain-check." Johnny spoke gently as he maneuvered his sleeve to reveal his watch, "I have an appointment in 10 minutes actually." the way he said it had her questioning its validity but she wouldn't lie, it was kind of a relief he wouldn't see the true horrors of her wrecked apartment.

"Oh...okay." she replied with a terse nod.

Dammit, why did she suddenly sound disappointed?

To cover it up, she spoke again, "Thanks again. You know, for getting my guitar back."

"You're welcome." Johnny nodded before he turned away and began the short journey back toward his vehicle.

For some odd reason, she watched him as he left.

An sense of something remaining being left unspoken plagued the air but she dutifully ignored it. Without the Moon Theater, the competition, or any obligations really, a part of her wondered if she'd ever see him again. She tried to disregard how her stomach sank slightly at the very thought…

"I - I'll, uh, see you around, Ash." Johnny spoke up again to seemingly answer her question; his smile easy as he waved to her from where his truck was parked by the curb. He didn't even wait to see the shock that suddenly rose on her face before he climbed into his vehicle and swiftly drove away with a squeal of tires.

It took another few seconds after watching his truck disappearing into the distance before she went back into her apartment. As Ash closed the door and leaned against its grains, she stared down at where her guitar lay in its case. Something she thought she had lost was now back in her life; a genuine smile suddenly tickled her lips; chest feeling a lot lighter than it had in a long time…

[galimatios]

t/a rambles 1

back on my bullshit part 1

... should look into the tactics ogre games for novel inspo bc my novel is also a political drama ... UNINTENTIONALLY actually id call it a coming of age story in rhe new adult genre since mc is probably 23-25 i have so many feelings about the novel ugh i love my ocs so much and i put them all om opposing sides for this novel the most complex relationship i have in it i think is alex and his mother or rather prince kreutzer in this au queen elaine and her son prince kreutzer .. god its so fucked up bc kreutzer loves his mother- he was largely isolated as a child and his mother was always so loving and sweet and they were so so close but the prince never knew of the shit his mother did as queen she is a tyrant she must have lost a child once. a princess, i think probably to the king who she may have ... overthrew or usurped maybe but regardless of that shes in power now and because she lost a child she became overly protective of kreu and consolidated her power heard of a plot to infiltrate her kingdom and assassinate the son of the previous tyrant king (?) and she just fucking ruled with an iron fist because she has so little trust in the goodness of people that she thinks the only way to achieve good is to force it and as a result she kills anyone who steps out of line thus making the people resent her deeply but to kreutzer shes his mother his loving and doting mother who does all she can to protect him the novel actually starts um after the queen is assassinated h a its not her story but shes a big part of it even after her death bc a big portion of the theme is like coming to terms with the complexity of individuals no one is all good or all bad and kreu starts out unable to understand this he has a very black and white view of moralitt like his mother at the beginning on his coronation day theres an assassination attempt made on him but he gets whisked away by the court jester after that a coup is staged and rebels take over the country and the prince is forced to hide with a traveling circus that the jester brings him to where every performer... is a fugitive or criminal! and thats where his personal growth really begins bc he learns abt these people and realizes his world view was wrong people are complex people do bad things... for just reasons and vice versa esp Keith who makes a major appearance in the novel his entire bg story takes place outside the novel as well hahaha but its a lot after a raid on his village, hes orphaned along w his little sister who is ill so to make ends meet / buy medicine he does literally every fucking crime under the sun starting off with petty theft and scaling up to murder literally sacrificing every last shred of innocence he has for the sake of his ailing sister who... dies anyway! and im thinking, tbh, its a fantine/cosette/thenardiers type sitch where this quack doctor is basically scamming him except instead of fantine dying cosette does anyway thats where he fucking hits rock bottom he could handle things as long as he had someone to fight for you know he was alright with it bc his sister was there, his saving grace but when she dies hes all alone thats probably when lydia finds him i imagine he would he on the verge of suicide or at the very least dying of self imposed starvation and neglect but honestly probably suicide julie's death on top of the crushinf weight of all the crimes hes committed the innocence he lost, the lives he took its just way too much and hes just a naive kid lydia finds him and takes him back to the circus takes care of him gives him food and water and shelter and slowly tries to reach him slowly teaching him that there is still life to be lived that he is so young, and it is far too soon for him to lay down and die that he should live for his dead family, because that is what they would want to keep their memory alive in his heart and he begins to come around slowly starts doing chores for the troup then he finally sees one of their performances acrobats and the trapeze and the glitz and the glamor its the first time in years where he ... wasnt thinking about his dead sister or his trauma he asks lydia to teach him how to "do that" he says while pointing at the stage and so she does and ever since then hes taken up performing full time as a .. daredevil type act doing outrageously dangerous things for the thrill of it it excites him, the risk he loves to see how close to the edge of death he can walk without falling and it fuels him makes him enjoy being alive again and he's.. happy god by the time you meet keith in the novel he's just this happy go lucky teen with this smugness about him a kind of dangerousness belying a sweet exterior he's all jokes and laughs at this point and you'd never be able to tell what he went thru at first glance or at all really bc honestly, at this point he honest to god is okay lies and dirt - Last Thursday at 6:00 AM he... doesnt need anyone's pity. he doesn't need anything but the feeling of being alive now and one of the major points of the novel is prince kreu's relationship with him... bc at first they really clash and kreu is just... he's a fucking criminal and all of then deserve to hang keith plays this off w jokes at first but kreu keeps being antagonistic bc he just cant believe a criminal like him is getting away without punishment but then one day keith snaps at him knife to the prince's throat dangerous, cat like eyes, the usual smile on his face no where to be found you're right. i'm a thief. a liar. a criminal. a murderer. i'm all those things. but i'll tell you one thing, prince: i'm not worthless. he pulls the knife away and walks off leaving the prince stunned after this lydia talks to kreu explaining that maybe he shouldn't judge keith so quickly hinting that the circumstances of his life were... not ideal when i first found him, he was already half dead. perhaps not physically, but in the eyes. you could see the reaper in them. hhmgmgn i need to think more abt the circumstances around this scene ah keith must have been looking for a good place to die

the music from the circus reminded him of better days, when he played songs with his family. i imagine him.. outside the tent, somewhere obscured and there's music flowing from its interior... he's tired. he sits down against a barrel and he's been starving, exhausted... letting sleep take him away on the songs from the circus back to a time he used to be happy...

lydia fines him and shakes him but his eyes look glassy and he's unresponsive

he's taken poison must have been something from his former days working as an assassin something he saved for himself just in case and that's when lydia takes him in and nurses him back to health she's a water mage w healing capabilities so she's able to do it and i imagine at first keith is hurt, angry why am i still alive? i im fucking myself up in the feels i hate this THIS ISNT EBEN IN THE FUCKINF BOOK IT ALL HAPPENS BEFORE IT KEITJS NOT THE MAIN CHARACTER HERE BUT IM SO FUCKED UP ugh after kreutzer learns a bit abt keiiths origins he actually thinks a lot. and tries to make amends. apologizes to keith who doesnt say anything much he's sitting, eyes away from the prince, fiddling with the knives he uses for his performances

"a raid took my parents away. illness took away my sister."

"i did a lot of things for money. most of it i'm not proud of. but i would have done anything to save her... you know?"

"you've got someone you love too, don't you?" kreutzer thinks of his mother. the surrogate brother who disappeared on him and never returned "i do." "then, you get it." after this they start to really bond almost as siblings.. which is really funny bc kreutzer doesnt need to be protective of keith keith can MORE THAN take care of himself but its new for kreutzer to feel.. responsibility for someone else like this he was always the one protected before keith laughs at this a lot what're you trying to do? be my big bro? but secretly he ...really likes having family again as idiotic as kreutzer is ofc lydia has always been there for him but as a surrogate mother an older sib is new and.. kind of nice in canon modern au they really are basically bros LOL actually cousins via mothers but alex/kreu goes to live w keiths family after his mom (lain) dies so they essentially grow up like brothers i didn't even get started w the fucking mess that is alan and kreutzer alan goes by calisto also and he hes the court jester but he was trained from a young age as a snake in the kings court he was supposed to kill the prince when the time was right but alan and his dumb fucking gay ass FALLS IN LOVE WITH HIM INSTEAD spoiler alert: its unrequited btwn alex and alan is NEVER requited in ALL aus its because alan ... doesnt love himself at all. he has no sense of... purpose or identity alex can never love someone like that but either way he becomes the prince's personal servant and entertainer and this idiot falls for him the naivete he displays, the timid stateliness, the unfitting title of prince bestowed on his shoulders- kreutzer is far too soft to be the leader of this kingdom and alan increasingly has the desire to protect him even as kreu grows older and more skilled in his studies there is always the anxious trepidation they also grow up together from around ages 11-present at the time of the novels start god alan loves him so much it hurts me but its so one sided alex loves cyrus in modern au ): alan could never be more than just a phase tbh poor guy alan and his low self esteem and depression the worst part of this thougg is that because alan feels aimless and without purpose when he falls for kreutzer he ... finally has his OWN cause to fight for and he takes it to the extreme betraying everyone that trusted him to do his job for the sake of a man who wont ever love him it bites him in the ass too bc i kill him off as a catalyst for other stuff h ahahahhahahahahahahaha not just kill him off but horribly because HE FUCKING BETRAYED HIS ENTIRE SIDE THEY ARE, UNDERSTANDABLY, PISSED Alan is so fuckong flawed hes a fuckinf mess and i love it ugh im thinkijg of another scene in the novel once kreutzer gets captured bt the coup rebels he actuallt submits himself voluntarily bc keith gets kidnapped and used as ransom keith tells him hes a fucking idiot keiths life doesnt matter dont fucking come for me! but kreu doesnt listen obviously and they torture kreutzer bc i love suffering and after that they make him listen in a mock trial to the testimonials of all the people hurt by his mother death to the queen! death to elaine of koel! all the horrible stories of lives unjustly cut short because of his mother it breaks him because he loves his mother so much but she's done all these horrible things he doesn't know what to do how to make amends the damage was done and he takes their wrath their scorn and anguish and i'm sorry as if sorry could ever fix anything but it is his burden to carry, his punishment to suffer in place of the queen ironically this makes lilya have a change of heart she was infiltrating the queens court just as alan did and she is directly responsible for her death her assassination, i think or the king's? either way shes part of the rebel forces and she DESPISES the queen good fucking riddance as far as she's concerned that woman made her life hell(edited) so she can rot in it for all lilya cares for but seeing kreutzer there bloodied tortured sobbing broken and taking the punishment doled out to him without so much as a word of protest(edited) she thinks... this... isnt right this is wrong. because kreutzer was not responsible for the sins of his mother as much as people want to blame him, take out their anger on him lilya was at first all gung ho about ending the royal bloodline lies and dirt - Last Thursday at 7:02 AM but she reconsiders this moment feels something tugging at her this isnt right

she remembers her sister back at the circus— lydia. who she always loved dearly but clashed with, leading to her abandoning the circus and joining the rebellion.

retribution is deserved, but should it be served? what then makes us different from our oppressors?

or sth like that so she rescues kreutzer takes him back to the circus. and reunites with her sister after so many years after that ik not entirely sure what to do w the novel LOL bc i know there has to he a big battle bc the rebellion forces begin to quell opposition like how the communist regime in other countries started in ernest bc people felt oppressed but then they went too far and started culling the middle class so then kreutzer leads his own rebellion force against them to take back the country then once he wins he uses his kinghood to dissolve the monarchy and embrace democracy instead asking lydia to lead hes much too tired to lead, and she is much better suited for it but hm inhabe to think more about that entire segment after this he takes over lydias spot in the circus as its owner and organizer and with keith he spends the rest of his days helping people just like keith also they properly mourn alans death it takes forever for kreu to come to terms w his mothers assassination and crimes he probably never truly works it out but he begins to be able to recognize that she is both the tyrant queen and his loving mother that they do not cancel eachother out, that they are not mutually exclusive they are one in the same UGH IM SO UPSET I WISH ID FUCKING WRITE THIS BC I WANT TO FUCKING READ IT the message i wanna convey is like people.. are complex, imperfect, and the systems they create are also subjected to that but everyone does things for a reason. no matter what that reason is and i want lydia to address this too when she becomes the new prime minister of koel a democracy is not perfect, because man is not perfect. there will be hardship, mistakes made along the way. but together we can grow, improve, and learn about one another— and better our society for it. and i believe anywhere injustice goes, justice will always follow(edited) sth like that ig